Who really controls Cuba’s economy—and what does that mean for the country’s future?

Join us for:

GAESA: The Military Empire That Runs Cuba’s Economy
Inside the economic structure sustaining authoritarian power in Cuba and its connection to Venezuela
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
 SIPA 2 Room 102 – 1st Floor

New research from the Miranda Center for Democracy reveals the extraordinary scale of GAESA, including at least $17.9 billion in assets and influence over an estimated 70% of Cuba’s economy, with much of its operations beyond public oversight.

The discussion will also explore how elements of Cuba’s military-economic model were replicated in Venezuela, and why dismantling these structures could be critical to any credible democratic transition.

Hosted by:

Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
The Institute for Cuban Studies at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs
The Miranda Center for Democracy 
The International Republican Institute 

Speakers include:

Opening Remarks: Dr. Brian Fonseca, Director, Vice Provost for Defense & National Security Research; Director, Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy
Juan Antonio Blanco, Cuba Siglo XXI
Emilio Morales, President & CEO, Havana Consulting Group
Ernesto Romero, Strategic Intelligence and Geopolitical Risk Analyst, Miranda Center for Democracy
Sebastian Arcos, Director of the FIU Institute for Cuban Studies, Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs
Closing Remarks: Dr. Antonio Garrastazu, Sr Director for Latin America & the Caribbean, International Republican Institute (IRI)